Thread by @ATBollands

For those concerned about the growth of dangerous ideologies and crazy new theories, remember the following:

Inside every bad idea lie the seeds of its own destruction. Truth will always win out in the end; the only question is how long it takes.

It's easy to tell bad ideas from good ideas. Good ideas, like liberalism or science, explicitly invite criticism, welcoming the improvement that this brings. Bad ideas, like fascism or certain religions, forbid criticism, fearing the impact it may have on their followers' belief.

So, if anyone you know seeks to close down debate, or attacks anyone that questions their beliefs, ask yourself one question. If they are so confident that their beliefs are true, why are they afraid of those beliefs being criticised? 🤔

They may claim that they feel offended at their beliefs being questioned, and that debate must be closed down so as to spare their feelings. Anyone with contrary beliefs must be punished for voicing their hurtful beliefs, whatever that takes.

Don't fall for this. It's nothing more than an excuse to avoid defending a bad idea.

All ideas, good and bad, deserve criticism. It makes good ideas flourish, and bad ideas wither and die. Don't let people with bad ideas stop you saying what you believe to be true.

And if you find yourself adopting that attitude, feeling offense that your beliefs are under attack, the remedy is simple. Stop identifying yourself with your beliefs. People that attack your beliefs are not attacking you. They're trying to help you see the truth, as they see it.

They may be right, you may be right. Who cares? Everyone gets it wrong sometimes. No one is infallible. Our beliefs change over our lifetimes and so they should. No belief is so important it must be defended at all costs. Knowing the truth is far more important than being right.